A little more conversation

For many people, a classic dining experience is as much about ambience as food the murmur of conversation rising above the clatter of cutlery and the clink of wine glasses.

Working with renowned New Zealand chef Peter Gordon, interior designer Tom Skyring created an atmosphere to celebrate both conversation and the tactile nature of dining.

"Peter's brief was for a dining room where patrons can relax and dine, with a feeling of old but new. Our concept incorporated some of the clean lines and contemporary detailing seen in Asian and Scandinavian restaurants. The generally white interior is mixed with dark timbers, natural materials and the use of New Zealand ceramics."

The exterior facade creates a sense of expectation, says Skyring, with vision panels allowing glimpses of chefs' doing prep work and the pre-dinner lounge area and bar.

Patrons are welcomed into the restaurant adjacent an underlit, honed-marble bar. Glazing in the cabinetry at the back of the bar provides patrons with another view of the kitchen.

Walking into the restaurant proper, Skyring says the eye is naturally drawn to the back of the room, where the double-sided fireplace is surrounded by an internally-lit Italian marble surround.

"The extent of custom-made finishes on display here is subtle," says Skyring. "On a first visit you might not notice the sliding glass panels, for example, that are sandwiched with rice paper to allow diffused light inside, and provide the flexibility to control atmosphere."

"The interior's generally monochromatic colour scheme creates a light filled, modern dining experience. Quality finishes, such as marble, leather and timber, sit comfortably with the more eclectic elements of high gloss plaster, rice paper panels, furniture and art, and will allow Dine to age well."

Story by: Trendsideas